Kunal Nayyar

This memoir is a delight. Nayyar writes in a warm, humorous tone that is very much down-to-earth. These anecdotes from Nayyar’s life span from his childhood in India to his current success as an actor (and lots of stuff in between). I have a deep respect for Nayyar after reading this memoir. For one thing, he seems kind and capable of deep emotion; at one point, he tells of something that moved him to tears. I also like his descriptions of India, and of its holidays and festivals. Which show more one is is favorite? All of them, apparently. (See? I told you he could be funny!) But more than anything else, I am impressed by Nayyar’s courage in writing not just about his achievements, but about his failures and his regrets. In some places, his tone is somber and even humble, and he doesn’t shrink from the truth, however painful. He doesn’t try to shield himself or make excuses. He writes about his family, his friends, his colleagues; he writes about his life. He has a way with words and an excellent instinct for storytelling. I listened to the audiobook, which was read by Nayyar. I strongly recommend this, not just to fans of his television show, but to anyone who likes interesting memoirs by interesting people. This is definitely worth it. show less

Nayyar, an actor on The Big Bang Theory, tells little stories about himself and his journey from India to university in America to a MFA in acting to the job that made him famous to his marriage. (That sentence is a little wonky, but it is late and I am tired. Sorry, gentle reader.)

I chuckled several times, and yet Nayyar's writing is not planned comedy or pretentious either. He seems like a really good guy and very wise for his age. I gave him an extra half point for being so...mature? show more Loving? Admirable? I can't find the right word, but it's a good book any way. show less

Yes My Accent is Real: and Some Other Things I Haven’t Told You

I Picked Up This Book Because: Celebrity books have been my not so guilty pleasure for the past few months. Even though I don’t watch his show his book was highly recommended by a friend.

The Story:

I loved this book. Going in I didn’t know Kunal from Adam but I’m so glad I got to know him a little bit. His stories are so intriguing. From growing up in India to moving to the states, from adjusting to school in America to show more starting his acting career, from his friendship with Zico to his marriage I was engrossed in every minute. The story with his dad, brother and the mouse was so close to being my favorite until he talked about meeting his wife (and forgive me I’ve forgotten her name). The mouse story was just plain hilarious but the way Kunal speaks about his wife takes my breath away. I’m in awe of his depth of feeling for her and his ability to express it in words.

I honestly hope as his life and career progress he chooses to write another book and share those next chapters with the world.

The Random Thoughts:

4.5 Stars show less

This was a pretty quick little read. I love The Big Bang Theory, and I knew a little bit about Kunal Nayyar, so I thought I'd pick it up, and I wasn't disappointed. Nayyar tells anecdotes from his own life, from childhood to television stardom, and makes himself sound like a pretty regular guy. He has had successes and failures, is confident and unsure in equal measure--all qualities that I and any reader can probably relate to. I'm not sure if it was because of the title, but I heard his show more voice in my head the whole time I was reading, and it felt like he was just sitting with me, telling stories and sharing snippets of wisdom. A nice effect. show less